"Don't think I'm going to reap the fruits of that yet": Hailey Van Lith addresses her lukewarm LSU run at Big 12 Media Days
TSU transfer Hailey Van Lith has high expectations for the upcoming season of college basketball, which marks the last of her collegiate career. The former LSU star is ready to show her talents at a new school and prepare herself for the WNBA.
After three years with the Louisville Cardinals, she entered the transfer portal following her best season, where she averaged 19.7 points per game. She then decided to join Kim Mulkey's national champion team, the LSU Tigers.
However, Hailey Van Lith's time in Baton Rouge ended sooner than expected when she left the team in April and transferred to TCU for her final year. At Big 12 Media Day this week, she shed light on her experiences at LSU and what she learned there.
"I think the last year of my career, I don't think I'm going to reap the fruits of that yet. I think that will come when I'm a pro," Hailey said. "That year prepared me for the pros and what it's going to be like at that level."
"From a self-how to regulate yourself, how to make work something that isn't necessarily perfect for you how to make the best out of any situation," she added. "I think that what I learned last year will pay off for me in a couple of years and the world might not see it yet but I know that it's going to come." [TS - 8:45]
Hailey Van Lith shares her close relationship with coach Mark Campbell
When Hailey Van Lith joined the transfer portal for the second time this summer, several top schools, including South Carolina, UConn, Oregon and Ohio State, came calling with offers.
However, the 5-foot-7 guard ultimately chose to continue her career at Texas Christian University. She said one of the key factors for her decision was her close relationship with Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell.
"Coach Campbell might call it a leap of faith, but I was very sure in my decision," Hailey said at Big 12 Media Day. "I had a previous relationship with him. He recruited me to Oregon out of high school when he was the assistant there.
Hailey Van Lith is also confident that the Horned Frogs' system will be a great fit.
"I 100% believe him and I think the system that TCU has is perfect for me. It's perfect for me not only to thrive but also to grow and become better, so that's all I can ask for."
Van Lith averaged 11.6 ppg, 3.6 apg and 2.4 rpg at LSU last campaign, guiding them to the NCAA Elite Eight.